St Johns Church, Ballinderry

There's something oddly moving about stumbling upon St Johns Church in Ballinderry, tucked away near Antrim. It's a proper little medieval structure, and what strikes you first is how much character it's managed to hold onto despite the centuries rolling past. The church sits in one of those quiet corners of County Antrim where you can hear yourself think - a rarity these days.

The building itself dates back to the 1600s, though the graveyard holds stones considerably older. Walk around and you'll find yourself reading inscriptions that go back generations, which sounds maudlin but isn't - there's something rather settling about it. Inside, the church is modest but genuine, with the kind of worn wooden pews and simple stonework that tells you this isn't some tourist-polished relic. It's still a working parish church, which means you'll get the real deal rather than a museum version.

This works best if you're already in the area exploring Antrim itself, or if you're staying at Sett on The Lough nearby and fancy a quiet walk with a bit of local history thrown in. Don't expect to spend hours here - thirty minutes to an hour is plenty, though a peaceful graveyard wander can stretch that if you're the contemplative type. Kids might find it a bit slow unless they're genuinely interested in old buildings. Access appears to be free, though it's worth checking locally before you head out as opening times aren't widely advertised. Best visited during daylight, obviously, and away from service times if you want to look around without feeling like you're intruding.